As the world marks the 20th anniversary of International Day of Older Persons, AlertNet takes a look at the lives of elderly people in several different countries.
Older persons play an invaluable role in all societies -- as leaders, caregivers and volunteers -- yet they are also vulnerable to discrimination, abuse, neglect and violence.
According to the U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, governments need to do more to address the needs of this vulnerable group. Granting universal access to social services, increasing the number and worth of pension plans and creating laws and policies that prevent age and gender discrimination in the workplace are key interventions, says Ban.
Every Friday, AlertNet will profile an elderly person from India, Kenya, Thailand, Colombia, London and Senegal who give our regional correspondents an insight into their lives, hopes and fears.
In India, Jargat -- a shopkeeper who lives and works in a slum in south Delhi's Moti Bagh area -- tells Nita Bhalla about his life.
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